“Saturday’s devastating earthquake in Pakistan has brought great sadness to all New Yorkers, but for those with roots in the region, this is a particularly difficult and painful time.

The earthquake’s tragic toll is too shocking to absorb, and as we learn more in the days and weeks ahead, our grief will only grow. New York City is home to hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis, Kashmiris, and Indians, and as these communities struggle to deal with what has happened, our thoughts and prayers will be with them. So too will our resolve to help.

“Several relief agencies are working to help those in need and information on how they can be reached is available at 311. In addition, I have directed the City Offices of Emergency Management and Immigrant Affairs to identify ways we can help the victims of this catastrophe, as we have been able to do in the past. In the meantime, I want to once again offer my condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.”